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LION FOUNDATION NJC GRAND FINALS
New Zealand Rugby League's top teen talent will be on show at Ericsson Stadium this weekend in the finals of the Lion Foundation National Junior Competitions.
The NJC Under-16 (Foundation Cup) and Under-18 (Kiwi Cup) competitionssee the best young players from Northland, Auckland, Waicoa Bay (Waikato/Coastline/Bay of Plenty), Central Districts, Wellington and Canterbury vie for national honours. This is the fifth year that these competitions have operated in this format and over this time many NJC graduates have moved on to professional careers (e.g. Iosia Soliola, Simon Mannering) with some also achieving full international honours (Manu Vatuvei, Louis Anderson, Thomas Leuluai and Jerome Ropati).
This year both finals shape as local derbies with the two Auckland Regional sides emerging as grand finalists in both the U16 and U18 grades.
The Auckland Crowns represent the top talent from Auckland's Central, Western and Northern clubs while the Auckland Sea Lions cover the Rugby League strongholds of South and East Auckland.
Both grades are littered with players involved in Auckland Rugby League's Elite Academy programme, Warriors Development squad members and even some already known to be signed with Australian NRL clubs.
Saturday 22nd April will be a big day for footy fans as tomorrows stars will be on show on Ericsson No.2 from midday before the 'big show' commences on the main field with Bartercard Cup kicking off at 5.30pm as curtain raiser to the Warriors clash with Rabbitohs.
With the support of the Warriors the two events will be integrated as all finalists will be hosted at the NRL clash in preparation for presentations that will be conducted at half time of the main game by NZRL Chairman Sel Bennett and Kiwis Coach Brian McClennan.
Tickets - Special NRL Offer
Entry to the NJC finals is $5 per adult with under 15 year olds free, but those wishing to make it a full on footy day-nighter will be able to purchase a $15 ticket at the NJC match which will give them a South Stand ticket to the Warriors match and GA entry to the NJC finals.
These tickets will be on sale at the O'Rorke Road entrance to Ericsson No.2 from 11.00am. Those who have pre-purchased tickets to the Warriors match can present these at the gates for GA entry to the NJC finals.
Semi Final Results
Saturday 15 April 2006
FOUNDATION CUP 16's
Auckland Crowns vs Northern Alliance Massey Park Papakura, Auckland
Auckland Crowns 82 Tries: T. Wallace, K. Faifailoa, L. Pulu, L. Wesley (2), J. Taufa(2), B. Tupou (2), G. Vuna (2), A. Aoese (4) Goals: A. Aoese (2), T. Wallace (9)
Northern Alliance 0
Halftime: 46 - 0 Auckland Crowns
Auckland Sea Lions vs Canterbury Bulls Massey Park Papakura, Auckland
Auckland Sea Lions 64 Tries: S. Feleti, D. Smith, J. Fox, I. Maliota, N. Areaiiti, O.Samuelu (2), M. Faamausili (2), N. Seluini (2) Goals: M. Taufa (10)
Canterbury Bulls 12 Tries: E. Tawhai, S. Franklin, R. Nutira
Halftime: 30 - 4 Auckland Sea Lions
KIWI CUP 18's
Auckland Sea Lions vs Wellington Orcas Massey Park Papakura, Auckland
Auckland Sea Lions 36 Tries: R. Bristow, S. Taurarii, J. Semu, S. Kaifoto (4) Goals: E. Pillay (4)
Wellington Orcas 32 Tries: D. Schirnack, T. Nicho, M. Lealavaa, M. Masoe, J. Schirnack, D. Sakaria Goals: M. Lealavaa (4)
Halftime: 18 - 16 Wellington Orcas
Northern Alliance vs Auckland Crowns Simpson Park, Moerewa
Auckland Crowns 36 Tries: C. Mika, M. Elisara, S. McKendry, F. Leger (2), K. Akauole (2) Goals: J. Henry (4)
Northern Alliance 10 Tries: B. Hikaka, W. Ratana Goals: S. Pumipi
Halftime: 18-0 Auckland Crowns.
Grand Final Fixtures
Saturday 22 April 2006 - Ericsson Stadium No.2, Auckland
FOUNDATION CUP 16's
Auckland Crowns vs Auckland Sea Lions 12.00 Noon Kick Off
KIWI CUP 18's
Auckland Sea Lions vs Auckland Crowns 1.30pm Kick Off